Thrombophilia

Overview

Thrombophilia is a condition in which the blood clots more readily than normal. It may be inherited—such as Factor V Leiden—or acquired later in life through antiphospholipid antibodies, cancer, surgery, pregnancy, or certain medicines. Clots can form in the legs, lungs, brain or placenta, leading to deep-vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, stroke and pregnancy complications.

At The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, Aylesbury you receive rapid laboratory testing, consultant-level management and seamless access to imaging and rehabilitation—without NHS waiting lists.

Why It Matters — Future Health Risks

• Pulmonary Embolism – a DVT fragment can travel to the lungs, causing sudden breathlessness and chest pain.
• Ischaemic Stroke or TIA – clot fragments reaching brain arteries may trigger neurological symptoms.
• Recurrent Pregnancy Loss and Pre-Eclampsia – placental clots can restrict blood flow to the baby.
• Post-Thrombotic Syndrome – chronic leg swelling and skin changes after DVT.
• Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension – scarring in lung vessels raises long-term pressure and breathlessness.

Early identification and targeted anticoagulation can prevent these complications.

Symptoms You Might Notice

• Sudden calf pain, swelling or warmth (possible DVT)
• Sharp chest pain, rapid breathing or fainting (possible pulmonary embolism)
• Unexplained one-sided weakness, speech difficulty or visual loss (possible stroke)
• Migraines with aura, especially when using oestrogen-containing contraception
• Multiple miscarriages or growth-restricted pregnancies

Many people feel well until their first clot, underscoring the value of proactive screening in high-risk groups.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

• Inherited traits: Factor V Leiden, prothrombin G20210A, protein C/S or antithrombin deficiency
• Antiphospholipid syndrome and other autoimmune conditions
• Major surgery, fractures or prolonged immobility
• Oestrogen therapy, hormonal contraception or pregnancy
• Cancer or chemotherapy
• Obesity, smoking and advancing age
• Family history of DVT, pulmonary embolism or unexplained stroke under 50

When to Arrange an Assessment

Book a consultation if you:

• Have experienced a clot event (DVT, PE, retinal vein occlusion) under 50
• Have two or more first-degree relatives with thrombosis or known thrombophilia
• Are pregnant with a history of miscarriage, pre-eclampsia or placental complications
• Require surgery and have a personal or family history of clots
• Experience migraines with aura while on hormonal contraception

Prompt evaluation allows preventive treatment before complications occur.

How We Test and Monitor at Royal Bucks

1. Specialist Medical Review – detailed history, family pedigree and personalised risk profiling.
2. Fast-Turnaround Laboratory Panel – Factor V Leiden, prothrombin variant, antithrombin, protein C/S, lupus anticoagulant and anticardiolipin antibodies via our Blood-Testing Service; most results are back within 24 hours.
3. Imaging When Needed – Doppler ultrasound for suspected DVT, CT pulmonary angiography in our on-site CT Suite for lung clots, and brain CT for acute neurological events.
4. Personalised Management Plan – created at a weekly multidisciplinary meeting of physicians, thrombosis nurses, dietitians and rehabilitation specialists.
5. Regular Follow-Up – clinic visits and repeat blood tests to adjust medication, especially during high-risk periods such as surgery or long-haul travel.

Treatment and Lifestyle Support

• Anticoagulation – direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) or warfarin, tailored to clot history and genetic profile.
• Low-Dose Aspirin or Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin – prescribed in specific antiphospholipid scenarios or during pregnancy if recommended by your obstetric team.
• Peri-Operative Clot-Prevention Plans – bridging therapy, compression stockings and early mobilisation.
• Medication Review – switching hormonal contraception or stopping pro-thrombotic drugs where possible.
• Nutrition and Activity Guidance – weight management, smoking cessation and graded fitness programmes with our Cardiac & Stroke Rehabilitation team.

Why Choose The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital?

• Rapid Results – most thrombophilia panels reported within 24 hours.
• Integrated Care – diagnostics, imaging, anticoagulation management and rehabilitation under one roof.
• Experienced Clinicians – consultant physicians and specialist nurses dedicated to clot prevention and stroke reduction.
• Comfort and Convenience – private ensuite rooms, free parking and easy access from Oxford, Milton Keynes and London.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do All Thrombophilias Need Lifelong Anticoagulation?
Not always. Some inherited traits only need treatment during high-risk periods such as surgery or pregnancy; others warrant lifelong medication. Your plan is individual.

Can I Still Take the Pill?
Combined oestrogen pills significantly raise clot risk in thrombophilia. Progesterone-only options or non-hormonal methods are usually safer—our team will advise.

Will My Children Need Testing?
Screening is offered to first-degree relatives, usually after age 16 or earlier if major surgery, trauma or pregnancy is anticipated.

Take Control of Your Clot Risk

Phone 01296 678 800 or enquire online to book your thrombophilia assessment and personalised prevention plan.